Abbey students scoop top prize in National competition

Three students from the Abbey Grammar in Newry have scooped a top prize in the annual National Science and Engineering competition, presented at The Big Bang in Manchester.

Paul McKeever, Bryan Murphy and Piaras Murphy won the overall team prize in the junior age group in the event’s Engineering and Technology category.

The boys’ project looked at an innovative automatic braking system for a child’s bike. The braking system will control the speed of the bike whilst alerting motorists when the child is slowing down.

Other special awards won at this prestigious event included specially commissioned ‘Crest’ medals and the Young Engineer for Britain ‘Design, Innovation and Presentation Award’.

Prize money won by the pupils for themselves and their school totalled £1,750.00.

At the awards ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of people, Lord Mandelson said: “The winners of the National Science and Engineering Competition are living, breathing proof that science and engineering in the UK is at the heart of a strong and thriving Britain over the coming decades.”

The pupils would like to thank Sentinus for giving them the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in this National Competition. Sentinus Young Innovators is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK and provides a showcase for students to demonstrate the wealth of creativity and innovation which exists in schools and colleges.

Mr Gerald Savage, the boys’ teacher, travelled with them to Manchester. After their success was announced, he said: “Congratulations to the three pupils on their hard work and success which demonstrated their determination to see the problem of safety on a bicycle through to a successful conclusion.”

He also thanks Mr Sean Higgins for his help and support with the project. Sean also travelled to Manchester with the group.

Principal Mr McGovern congratulated the boys on their success and thanked Mr Savage in his mentoring role and Mr Sean Higgins for his support.

“The technology department has once again shown how it prepares our pupils to be leaders both locally and nationally,” he said.